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Collaborative Fund Takes Stake in D.C. United and Audi Field

VCs are now buying sports teams

TL;DR

Collaborative Fund, a New York-based VC firm, is investing in D.C. United and its stadium, Audi Field. This follows Thrive Capital's similar move, indicating a new trend in venture capital.

Collaborative Fund, a 15-year-old New York-based VC firm with $1 billion under management, is taking a stake in D.C. United and its stadium, Audi Field. This move follows Thrive Capital's investment in the San Francisco Giants and the Lakers, showing a new trend in venture capital. The deal is subject to MLS approval and could pay off as team valuations soar. D.C. United's franchise value has climbed from $35 million in 2008 to $785 million today, with MLS's average club value up 134% since 2019.

Collaborative Fund Takes Stake in D.C. United and Audi Field — TechCrunch

Key Points

1

Collaborative Fund, a 15-year-old New York-based VC firm, has roughly $1 billion under management.

2

The firm has made early bets on Lyft, Reddit, Sweetgreen, and Olipop.

3

D.C. United's franchise value has climbed from $35 million in 2008 to $785 million today.

4

Thrive Capital bought the Lakers outright for a record $12.5 billion.

5

MLS's average club value is up roughly 134% since 2019.

Why It Matters

If you're a VC firm looking for long-term investments, sports teams like D.C. United and their stadiums offer a unique opportunity. The valuation of D.C. United's franchise has climbed from $35 million in 2008 to $785 million today, with MLS's average club value up 134% since 2019. This trend is reshaping the landscape of venture capital investments.

venture-capitalsports-investmentd.c. unitedcollaborative-fundthrive-capital

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